GB2159795A - Tape cassette pressure flap - Google Patents
Tape cassette pressure flap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2159795A GB2159795A GB08425334A GB8425334A GB2159795A GB 2159795 A GB2159795 A GB 2159795A GB 08425334 A GB08425334 A GB 08425334A GB 8425334 A GB8425334 A GB 8425334A GB 2159795 A GB2159795 A GB 2159795A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- pressure flap
- cassette
- flap
- pressure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000237519 Bivalvia Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000020639 clam Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000036366 Sensation of pressure Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000002777 acetyl group Chemical class [H]C([H])([H])C(*)=O 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/04—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments
- G11B23/08—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends
- G11B23/087—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments for housing webs or filaments having two distinct ends using two different reels or cores
- G11B23/08707—Details
- G11B23/08721—Brakes for tapes or tape reels
Landscapes
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A tape cassette pressure flap and pressure flap/cassette housing assembly and related methods for manufacturing the pressure flap and for assembling the pressure flap in the cassette housing. The entire pressure flap 72 is made of a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction. One end 76 of the flap includes two perpendicular and parallel flanges 78, 80. The flap is fixedly attached to the cassette housing by inserting the flanged end between two adjacent support members 90, 96 formed in the cassette housing. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Tape cassette pressure flap assembly
This invention relates to a tape cassette, and more particularly, to a pressure flap held in a cassette housing for resiliently contacting the running tape and minimising slackening thereof.
When a tape cassette is being handled, or is otherwise disengaged from the recording and/or reproducing apparatus withwhich it is intended to be used, one or both of the freely rotatable tape reels within the cassette housing may turn and slacken the tape, particu larly across the opening of the cassette housing.
It is essential for the propoer operation of tape cassettes that excessive looseness or slackness in the running tape be avoided, because if the run of the tape is excessively loose or slack, the tape may be improperly engaged by the magnetic head, or may be improperly wound internally of the cassette. In either case, damage to the tape may occur, or defective sound recording or reproducing operations may result.
To compensate for the looseness or slackness, pressure flap assemblies are used to maintain a resilient pressure upon the running tape. Pressure flaps are basically resilient, flexible elements fixed at one end to the cassette housing and having their other end a free end which resiliently abuts the running tape.
Of course, with the manufacture of pressure flap assemblies, as with the manufacture of most items, the major considerations are costefficient production of the flap and expeditious, automated assembly of the pressure flap into the cassette housing. Thus, a pressure flap having a design requiring the fewest manufacturing steps, in both production and assembly, but which efficiently eliminates tape slackness, is preferred.
Traditionally, one end of a tape cassette pressure flap was fixedly mounted in the cassette housing by cement or some other type of adhesive. An example of this type of pressure flap assembly is described in US
Patent No. 3 797 779. However, adhesivetype pressure flaps have proved unreliable since they become dislocated with age.
Means were then developed to assemble the pressure flap in the cassette housing without the use of adhesives. For example, it has been proposed in US Patent No. 4 304 374 to provide a non-adhesive type pressure flap having a "hollow" fitting portion to entirely surround a cylindrical support member formed on the cassette base.
More particularly, as shown in Fig. 1 of the present application, a conventional video tape cassette housing,described in US Patent No.
4 304 374 is generally denominated by the reference numeral 10 and has a flat, substantially rectangular configuration which may be formed of a suitable plastic and consists of an upper half case 12 and a lower half case 14.
Tape reels 16 and 18 are suitably located within the cassette housing 10 so as to be freely rotatable in side-by-side relation. Magnetic tape 20 is wound on the reels 16 and 18 in operation. A pressure flap 22 is placed near the path of the magnetic tape 20 at an area between the reels 16 and 18. The magnetic tape 20 is pushed by the pressure flap 22 between a tape contacting surface 24 of the pressure flap 22 and a first guide pole 26 so as to maintain the stability of the magnetic tape 20 as it runs through the cassette housing 10. A second guide pole 27, such as a round rod with a sleeve, is mounted on the inner surface of the lower half case 14 and is utilised to guide the magnetic tape 20 around the corner of the housing 10 and to increase its tautness.
This prior art pressure flap 22 shown in Fig.
1, more particularly, has a first free end 28 covered by a separate, low coefficient of friction, tape contacting surface and a fitting hollow 30 formed at the second, fixed end 32, which may be square or circular in crosssection. The fitting hollow 30 fits over and entirely srrounds a cylindrical support member 34 which is connected to a bed 36 formed in the cassette housing 10 at the inner side of the lower half case 14. A projection 37 is also formed on the bed 36 and is required to prevent the turning or rotation of the pressure flap 22 around the cylindrical support member 34.
Because the pressure flap described in US
Patent No. 4,304,374 also includes several drawbacks, applicant's GB Patent Application 83 24486 describes an improved pressure flap.
More particularly, Fig. 2 of the present application illustrates the structure of the pressure flap described in the above-referenced
GB Application Serial 83 24486. This die-cut pressure flap 38 comprises a first end 39 intended for free engagement with tape in the cassette housing, and a second end 41 having a single, angled rectangular flange 42 formed thereon. One side 42a of the rectangle is made to be integral of the resilient pressure flap material, and the three other sides 42b, 42c, 42d are free.In an attempt to avoid the possibility of the flange 42 tearing due to the sharp corners between sides 42b and 42a and 42c and 42a, there are located at the corners of the rectangular flange 42 where the integral side meets two of the three other sides, small, confronting circular voids, or slits 42e and 42f located in the side 42a formed integrally of the pressure flap at the corners of the rectangular flange 42 where the integral side 42a meets the two sides 42b and 42c.
A separate double sided tape contacting surface 45 with a relatively low coefficient of friction in respect to the magnetic tape 64 must be applied to the free end portion 39 of the pressure flap 38. The tape contacting surface 45 must be attached to or pressed onto the free end 39 using an adhesive, cement, heat or mechanically activated bonding technique, or the like. The tape contacting surface 45 is made preferably of graphite lubricated, meshed teflon.
Fig. 3 illustrates the pressure flap 38 described above in combination with a tape cassette housing 46. Cassette housing 46 comprises a corner tape guide 47 and a cylindrical support member 48 mounted to a bed 50 located at the inner side of the lower half case 52 of the cassette housing 46. The cassette housing 46 further comprises a first wall 54 and a second wall 56. The first wall 54 is located near the second wall 56 and the supporting member 48 such that the first wall 54 and the second wall 56 are positioned substantially at an angle to each other, and the cylindrical support member 48 is located in the angle formed thereby. Together the first wall 54, the second wall 56 and the support member 48 combine to form an "area" 60 for receiving the second end 41 of the pressure flap 38.
Fig. 3 also illustrates the method for assembling the pressure flap 42 into the cassette housing 46 suggested above. That is, the flange 42 must be bent at greater than a fort-five degree angle by a relatively elaborate stamping, bending and insertion procedure.
The pressure flap 38 with angled flange 42 must then be inserted such that the second, fixed end 41 is positioned in the area 60, ie the area between the first wall 54, the second wall 56 and the cylindrical support member 48. The angled flange 42 particularly, must be positioned along the cylindrical support member 48 between the cylindrical support member 48 and the first wall 54. The free end 39 resiliently abuts a guide 62 with the tape 64 running therebetween.
Fig. 4 illustrates the method of manufacturing the die-cut pressure flap described in GB
Patent Application 8324486. A roll of flexible material 66 is preferably formed from polyester. The tape contacting surface 45 is first applied to one side edge of the roll 66. The roll 66 is moved into a machine having a cutting/stamping and inserting station which simultaneously: (1) cuts the circular holes or voids 44 for subsequent indexing purposes; (2) cuts and removes the rectangular spaces 68, which are removed for the reason of keeping the flap from scraping along the cassette housing bed 50; (3) cuts and removes the rectangular-shaped pieces 43; (4) cuts and angles the flange portion 42 to an angle of greater than 45 degrees; (5) cuts and separates the individual pressure flaps 38 (as shown by the dotted line 70 in Fig. 4); and (6) assembles the pressure flap 38 into the cassette housing 46 by inserting the fixed end 41 into the area 60 of the cassette housing 46, such that the flange 42 abuts the cylindrical support member 48 at an angle of about 45 degrees.
Although the pressure flap described in our
GB patent application 8324486 eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art adhesive type pressure flaps and improves upon nonadhesive type pressure flaps by effecting more simplified and cost-efficient production of pressure flaps, this die-cut pressure flap has the following disadvantages::
(1) Voids or slits must be separately formed where the flange meets the pressure flap body to prevent tearing, thus complicating the manufacturing process;
(2) A separate tape contacting member must be applied to the free end of the pressure flap, thus preventing the most efficient automation;
(3) The separate tape contacting member is usually applied by an adhesive, or similar means, which have proved troublesome or ineffective after prolonged use of the pressure flap;
(4) A separate area comprising a cylindrical support member, a first wall and a second wall must be formed in order to reliably receive the pressure flap;
(5) A relatively elaborate stamping, bending and insertion procedure is required to produce and assemble the pressure flap; and
(6) The overall efficiency of the manufacturing process is dependent upon the ability to accurately bend the flange to the proper angle and to position the flange in the area formed in the cassette housing.
Accordingly, the die-cut pressure flap described in our GB Application 8324486 still does not teach a pressure flap capable of the most cost-efficient production or the most time-efficient, automated assembly within a tape cassette.
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a tape cassette pressure flap to minimise slackness in the run of the tape when the tape cassette is removed from the magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus with which it is intended to be used.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pressure flap whose structure is less susceptible to tearing or dislocation.
The present invention provides a pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
a pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction relative to said tape.
The present invention also provides a pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
(a) a substantially flat pressure flap element
made of a single flexible material having a low
coefficient of friction relative to said tape; and
(b) means formed integrally of the pressure
flap element for fixedly engaging the tape
cassette.
The present invention also provides a pres
sure flap for contacting magnetic tape running
in a tape cassette, comprising:
(a) a substantially flat pressure flap element
having first and second ends and being made
of a single flexible material having a low
coefficient of friction relative to said tape, the first end for contacting the tape; and
(b) a first means formed integrally of the second end of the pressure flap element and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom for fixedly engaging the pressure flap to the tape cassette.
The present invention also provides a tape cassette pressure flap assembly for contacting magnetic tape as the magnetic tape passes from one tape reel to another across an opening in the housing of the tape cassette to avoid slackening of the tape which results from the free turning of at least one of the tape reels, the assemblying comprising:
a pressure flap including a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape.
The present invention also provides a tape cassette pressure flap assembly for contacting magnetic tape as the magnetic tape passes from one tape reel to another actoss an opening in the housing of the tape cassette to avoid slackening of the tape which results from the free turning of at least one of the tape reels, the assembly comprising:
(a) a pressure flap including::
(i) a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape and having first and second ends, the first end for contacting the tape,
(ii) a first means formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element, and
(b) a cassette housing having support means for receiving the second end of the pressure flap, and a guide element for abutting the moving tape;
wherein during assembly the first end of the pressure flap is resiliently pressed against the tape running along the guide element and the second end of the pressure flap is received by the support means.
The present invention also provides a method for forming a tape cassette pressure flap for minimising slackness of tape running in a tape cassette, comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting a material which is substantially flexible, resilient, and has a coefficient of friction relatively lower than the running tape; and
(b) forming the material into a substantially planar pressure flap.
The present invention also provides a
method for forming a tape cassette pressure flap for minimising slackness of tape running in a tape cassette, comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting a material which is substantially flexible, resilient, and has a coefficient of friction relatively lower than the running tape;
(b) forming the material into a substantially planar workpiece with a first end and a second end; and
(c) forming a first means integrally of the second end substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the workpiece for fixedly engaging the tape cassette.
The present invention also provides a method for assembling a pressure flap into a tape cassette housing wherein tape runs, comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a pressure flap having a substantially flat pressure flap element with first and second ends and being made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape;
(b) forming a cassette housing having support means for receiving the second end of the pressure flap, and a guide element for abutting the moving tape; and
(c) inserting the pressure flap into the cassette housing such that the second end of the pressure flap securely rests in the support means and the first end of the pressure flap presses the tape against the guide element.
The present invention also provides a method for assembling a pressure flap into a tape cassette housing wherein tape runs, comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a pressure flap having a substantially flat pressure flap element with first and second ends and being made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape, and a first member formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element;
(b) forming a cassette housing having support means for receiving the second end of the pressure flap, and a guide element for abutting the moving tape; and
(c) inserting the pressure flap into the cassette housing such that the second end of the pressure flap securely rests in the support means with the first member abutting the support means and the first end of the pressure flap presses the tape against the guide element.
Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and, in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Figure 1 is a partial sectional, top view of the prior art video tape cassette described in
US Patent no. 4,304,374, illustrating particularly, as noted above, a prior art non-adhesive type presure flap assembled within a cassette;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pressure flap described in our GB Patent Application 8324486, illustrating particularly, as noted above, a single angled flange on a diecut pressure flap resting against the support member of the cassette housing;
Figure 3 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the pressure flap shown in Fig. 2, illustrating particularly, as noted above, assembly of the pressure flap into the cassette housing;
Figure 4 is a front view of a continuous flexible roll from which the pressure flap shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is formed;;
Figure 5 is a plan view of the injection moulded pressure flap according to the present invention, illustrating particularly the orientation of two parallel flanges formed integrally thereof;
Figure 6 is a side view of the pressure flap of the present invention shown in Fig. 5; and
Figure 7 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the pressure flap assembly of the present invention, illustrating particularly the relationship of the first and second support members, and the position taken by the two flanges aainst the first support member.
In contrast to the pressure flap designs discussed above, Figs. 5 to 7 illustrate particularly the structure of the presure flap according to the present invention.
As shown in Figs. 5 to 7 the entire pressure flap 72 of the present invention is injection moulded. Preferably, the pressure flap 72 is moulded of a single, resilient material which has suitable lubricity to effect minimal friction with the running tape and has suitable flexibility to be able to apply sufficient pressure on the running tape to prevent slackness.
Examples of such resilient materials include nylon or acetal.
As discussed above, the first free end portion 39 of the pressure flap 38 of GB Application 8324486 requires a separate, doublesided tape contacting surface 45 having a relatively low coefficient of friction in respect to the magnetic tape with which it is to engage. This separate tape contacting surface must be suitably attached to or pressed onto the free end 39 using an adhesive, cement, heat or a mechanically activated bonding technique, or the like. In contrast, since the pressure flap 72 of the present invention is injection moulded of a single material having sufficient lubricity to contact the running tape wihout damage, there is no need to apply a separate low-friction tape contacting member thereto.
The pressure flap 72 comprises a first end 74 for free engagement with tape in a cassette housing, and a second end 76 with at least one flange formed integrally thereof and projecting therefrom for securing the pressure flap 72 in a cassette housing 86. In this preferred embodiment a first flange 78 and a second flange 80 are provided.
More particularly, first and second flanges 78 and 80, extend substantially parallel to each other while being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure flap 72.
Between flanges 78 and 80, a cavity 82, preferably rounded, is formed to receive the correspondingly rounded first support member 90. In addition, the injection moulding process leaves a semicircular indentation 81 associated with knock out pin which are known in the art.
Each flange 78 and 80 has a generally rectangular shape, but other shapes, eg, a semicircular or triangular cross-section will suffice as long as the shape is capable of being supported by the first support member 90 of the cassette housing 86.
Located centrally of the pressure flap 72 there is a square-shaped opening or void 84 which is necessary because it allows a beam of light to be shown from one end of the cassette through the other when the cassette is inserted into the cassette player/recorder, as is known in the art.
In contrast to the prior art pressure flap of
US application serial no 41 7,658 described above, which includes a circular hole or void 44 located below the rectangular flange 42 to be used for purposes of indexing during manufacture and assembly of the pressure flap, the injection moulded pressure flap 72 of the present invention requires no such void 44.
Fig. 7 illustrates particularly the pressure flap 72 described above in combination with a tape cassette housing 86 in accordance with the present invention. The cassette housing 86 comprises a corner tape guide 88 and a first support member 90 mounted to a bed 92 located at the inner side of the lower half case 94 of the cassette housing 86. The first support member 90 is preferably cylindrical and is made of a rigid plastic.
Since the pressure flap 72 of the present invention abuts both sides of the first support member 90, only one other support is required spaced from the first support member 90 to hold the pressure flap 72 relative to the tape cassette housing 86.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment described above uses a support wall 96 as the second support member, it is to be understood that many shapes eg another cylindrical support member would suffice, as long as it prevents movement of the pressure flap 72 away from the first support member 90.
Therefore, the cassette housing 86 further preferably comprises a second support mem ber shown as a wall 96 in Fig. 7. The wall 96 is flat and extends upwardly from the bed 92 of the cassette housing 86. The support wall 96 is located adjacent to the support member 90 and starts in the vicinity of the corner tape guide 88, extends in the direction of another tape guide 98, and terminates in the vicinity of the support member 90. Together, the second support member 96 and the first support member 90 combine to form an area 100 for receiving the second end 76 of the pressure flap 72.
To insert the preferred embodiment of the pressure flap 72 into the cassette housing 86, the second end 76 is positioned between the first support member 90 and the support wall 96 such that the first and second flanges 78 and 80, respectively, flank the support member 90 with the cavity 82 receiving part of the first support member 90. The first end 74 of the pressure flap 72 is simultaneously positioned against the tape 102 running along the guide 98. This one step insertion process can be done more quickly and more efficiently by automated machinery than is possible with the various pressure flap designs discussed in the background of the invention section of this application.
Thus, it can be seen that a new tape cassette pressure flap assembly is disclosed wherein the pressure flap 72 can be easily and securely positioned within the cassette housing 86. The assembly includes the second fixed end 76 of the pressure flap 72 of the present invention being inserted into the area 100 with the first and second flanges 78 and 80, respectively, resting aside of the first support member 90. The pressure flap is resiliently supported along the first support member 90 while being prevented from moving in a direction away from the tape 102 by the second support member 96.
Fig. 7 also illustrates the method for assembling the pressure flap 72 of the present invention into the cassette housing 86, described above. As stated, assembly of the pressure flap 72 into the cassette housing is necessarily accomplished by positioning the flanges 78 and 80 along the sides of the first support member 90 in the area 100 between the first support member 90 and the support wall 96. Dependable assembly becomes remarkably high and can be carried out by an automatic assembling machine. However, the configuration of this pressure flap 72 and the cassette housing 86 also allows for quick and easy manual insertion or removal of the flap when circumstances require same.The pressure flap 72 then is held in its specific position and will not slip or "peel off". When the fixed end 76 of the pressure flap 72 is inserted into the area 100, the first free end 74 is positioned resiliently against the tape 102 and the guide 98 and the support wall 96 promote resiliency by bending the pressure flap 72.
Thus, in accordance with the present ivnention, the development of looseness or slackness in the tape run by reason of the necessarily free rotation of tape reels when the cassette housing is apart from the magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus, is avoided by providing the cassette housing 86 employing the support wall 96 and the support member 90 and a flexible pressure flap 72 having flanges 78 and 80 to hold the pressure flap 72 in the cassette housing 86 such that the pressure flap 72 may resiliently abut the tape 102 at guide 98.
Injection moulding, the technique used to make the pressure flap 72 according to the present invention, is known in the art. Of course, as stated above, the material used in the injection moulding must have sufficient lubricity and flexibility for the purposes set out herein. Most importantly, parallel flanges 78 and 80 must be formed on the pressure flap 72 for non-rotatable orientation along a support member mounted on the inner surface of the housing so as to support the pressure flap 72.Through this design, the operation efficiency for assembly of the pressure flap 72 is remarkably improved, the pressure flap can be easily produced and assembled by an automatic injection moulding and assembling machine, the slippage or the peeling of the pressure flap in the assembling operation or after the assembling operation can be completely prevented and the relability of the pressure flap is remarkably improved.
Overall, the present invention minimises manufacturing steps and production costs in relation to the above-described presure flap designs. Therefore, in accordance with the principles of this invention there is provided a pressure flap having a relatively simple and economical design, but which is capable of efficiently eliminating tape slackness.
The above described pressure flap and tape cassette pressure flap assembly has been shown to be of the type intended for use in video tape recorders. However, the invention can be similarly applied to tape cassettes for use in audio or other recording and/or reproducing apparatus.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.
There has thus been described a pressure flap which may be injection moulded of a single material to eliminate a need for a separate low-friction tape contacting surface to be added to the free end of the flap, and to avoid the need for adhesives or other bonding techniques altogether, thus minimising production costs and manufacturing time.
The pressure flap may be made quickly and inexpensively by injection moulding and which efficiently eliminates tape slackness.
The pressure flap is relatively simple and the tape cassette housing, securely positions the pressure flap.
The pressure flap is adapted for insertion into a cassette housing which does not necessarily require a relatively elaborate "area" to be formed in the housing to receive the pressure flap.
There has also been described a method of assembling a pressure flap which is not dependent upon the ability to accurately bend and insert a flange into a narrow area formed in the tape cassette housing.
Finally, we have described a relatively simple method for producing and automatically inserting an injection moulded pressure flap into a cassette housing, thus increasing the speed and minimising the cost of the tape cassette production process.
CLAMS 1. A pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
a pressure flap element made if a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction relative to said tape.
2. A pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
(a) a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction relative to said tape; and
(b) means formed integrally of the pressure flap element for fixedly engaging the tape cassette
3. A pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
(a) a substantially flat pressure flap element having first and second ends and being made of a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction relative to said tape, the first end for contacting the tape; and
(b) a first means formed integrally of the second end of the pressure flap element and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom for fixedly engaging the pressure flap to the tape cassette.
4. The pressure flap as recited in claim 3, further comprising:
a second means formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element substantially parallel to the first member.
5. A tape cassette pressure flap assembly for contacting magnetic tape as the magnetic tape passes from one tape reel to another across an opening in the housing of the tape cassette to avoid slackening of the tape which results from the free turning of at least one of the tape reels, the assembly comprising:
a pressure flap including a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape.
6. A tape cassette pressure flap assembly for contacting magnetic tape as the magnetic tape passes from one tape reel to another across an opening in the housing of the tape cassette to avoid slackening of the tape which results from the free turning of at least one of the tape reels, the assembly comprising:
(a) a pressure flap including::
(i) a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape and having first and second ends, the first end for contacting the tape,
(ii) a first means formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element, and
(b) a cassette housing having support means for receiving the second end of the pressure flap, and a guide element for abutting the moving tape;
wherein during assembly the first end of the pressure flap is resiliently pressed against the tape running along the guide element and the second end of the pressure flap is received by the support means.
7. The assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the support means comprises:
a first support member and a second support member spaced apart from each other, wherein the second end of the pressure flap is received in the space formed between the first and second support members.
8. The assembly as recited in claim 4, further comprising:
a second means formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element substantially parallel to the first means.
9. A method for forming a tape cassette pressure flap for minimising slackness of tape running in a tape cassette, comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting a material which is substantially flexible, resilient, and has a coefficient of friction relatively lower than the running tape; and
(b) forming the material into a substantially planar pressure flap.
10. A method for forming a tape cassette pressure flap for minimising slackness of tape running in a tape cassette, comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting a material which is substantially flexible, resilient, and has a coefficient of friction relatively lower than the running tape;
(b) forming the material into a substantially planar workpiece with a first end and a second end; and
(c) forming a first means integrally of the second and substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the workpiece for fixedly engag
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (17)
1. A pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
a pressure flap element made if a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction relative to said tape.
2. A pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
(a) a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction relative to said tape; and
(b) means formed integrally of the pressure flap element for fixedly engaging the tape cassette
3. A pressure flap for contacting magnetic tape running in a tape cassette, comprising:
(a) a substantially flat pressure flap element having first and second ends and being made of a single flexible material having a low coefficient of friction relative to said tape, the first end for contacting the tape; and
(b) a first means formed integrally of the second end of the pressure flap element and extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom for fixedly engaging the pressure flap to the tape cassette.
4. The pressure flap as recited in claim 3, further comprising:
a second means formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element substantially parallel to the first member.
5. A tape cassette pressure flap assembly for contacting magnetic tape as the magnetic tape passes from one tape reel to another across an opening in the housing of the tape cassette to avoid slackening of the tape which results from the free turning of at least one of the tape reels, the assembly comprising:
a pressure flap including a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape.
6. A tape cassette pressure flap assembly for contacting magnetic tape as the magnetic tape passes from one tape reel to another across an opening in the housing of the tape cassette to avoid slackening of the tape which results from the free turning of at least one of the tape reels, the assembly comprising:
(a) a pressure flap including::
(i) a substantially flat pressure flap element made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape and having first and second ends, the first end for contacting the tape,
(ii) a first means formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element, and
(b) a cassette housing having support means for receiving the second end of the pressure flap, and a guide element for abutting the moving tape;
wherein during assembly the first end of the pressure flap is resiliently pressed against the tape running along the guide element and the second end of the pressure flap is received by the support means.
7. The assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the support means comprises:
a first support member and a second support member spaced apart from each other, wherein the second end of the pressure flap is received in the space formed between the first and second support members.
8. The assembly as recited in claim 4, further comprising:
a second means formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element substantially parallel to the first means.
9. A method for forming a tape cassette pressure flap for minimising slackness of tape running in a tape cassette, comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting a material which is substantially flexible, resilient, and has a coefficient of friction relatively lower than the running tape; and
(b) forming the material into a substantially planar pressure flap.
10. A method for forming a tape cassette pressure flap for minimising slackness of tape running in a tape cassette, comprising the steps of:
(a) selecting a material which is substantially flexible, resilient, and has a coefficient of friction relatively lower than the running tape;
(b) forming the material into a substantially planar workpiece with a first end and a second end; and
(c) forming a first means integrally of the second and substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the workpiece for fixedly engag
ing the tape cassette.
11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein steps (b) and (c) are performed simultaneously by injection moulding.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the following step: (d) forming a second means by injection moulding integrally of the second end substantially perpendicularly tothe plane of the workpiece for fixedly engaging the tape cassette.
13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the first and second means are formed at the second end in parallel relationship.
14. A method for assembling a pressure flap into a tape cassettte housing wherein tape runs, comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a pressure flap having a substantially flat pressure flap element with first and second ends and being made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape;
(b) forming a cassette housing having support means for receiving the second end of the pressure flap, and a guide element for abutting the moving tape; and
(c) inserting the pressure flap into the cassette housing such that the second end of the pressure flap securely rests in the support means and the first end of the pressure flap presses the tape against the guide element.
15. A method for assembling a pressure flap into a tape cassette housing wherein tape runs, comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a pressure flap having a substantially flat pressure flap element with first and second ends and being made of a single flexible material having a relatively low coefficient of friction relative to said tape, and a first member formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element;
(b) forming a cassette housing having support means for receiving the second end of the pressure flap, and a guide element for abutting the moving tape; and
(c) inserting the pressure flap into the cassette housing such that the second end of the pressure flap securely rests in the support means with the first member abutting the support means and the first end of the pressure flap presses the tape against the guide element.
16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the support means comprises:
first support element and second support element spaced a distance from each other, wherein the second end of the pressure flap is fixedly received in the space formed between the first and second support elements.
17. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising:
a second member formed integrally of and substantially perpendicularly of the second end of the pressure flap element substantially parallel to the first flange.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/615,875 US4569492A (en) | 1982-09-13 | 1984-05-31 | Tape cassette pressure flap assembly |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8425334D0 GB8425334D0 (en) | 1984-11-14 |
| GB2159795A true GB2159795A (en) | 1985-12-11 |
| GB2159795B GB2159795B (en) | 1987-11-11 |
Family
ID=24467166
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08425334A Expired GB2159795B (en) | 1984-05-31 | 1984-10-08 | Tape cassette pressure flap |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4569492A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS60261082A (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2565394B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2159795B (en) |
| HK (1) | HK293A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0283560A2 (en) * | 1987-03-25 | 1988-09-28 | KOLLER MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (a Wisconsin corporation) | Magnetic tape cassette |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS61126481U (en) * | 1985-01-26 | 1986-08-08 | ||
| JPH0782735B2 (en) * | 1985-09-18 | 1995-09-06 | 日立マクセル株式会社 | Tape car ledge |
| JPS6412276U (en) * | 1987-07-09 | 1989-01-23 | ||
| JPH079259Y2 (en) * | 1988-04-27 | 1995-03-06 | ティーディーケイ株式会社 | Magnetic tape cassette |
| KR910008052B1 (en) * | 1989-08-18 | 1991-10-07 | 주식회사 에스케이씨 | Flap of video tape cassette |
| US5191694A (en) * | 1991-07-03 | 1993-03-09 | Shape Inc. | Cassette assembly line |
| GB2257418B (en) * | 1991-07-09 | 1995-03-01 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | A video cassette incorporating a slack limiter post |
| US6108168A (en) * | 1997-10-21 | 2000-08-22 | Sony Corporation | Tension stabilizer insert for data cartridge |
| US7165738B2 (en) * | 2001-02-26 | 2007-01-23 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Record media cartridge |
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| GB1365231A (en) * | 1971-07-14 | 1974-08-29 | Sony Corp | Tape casette |
| GB2001296A (en) * | 1977-07-22 | 1979-01-31 | Sony Corp | Tape cassette |
| GB2057395A (en) * | 1979-06-29 | 1981-04-01 | Sony Corp | Magnetic tape cassettes |
| GB2072141A (en) * | 1980-03-25 | 1981-09-30 | Tdk Electronics Co Ltd | Magnetic tape cassette with tape pad |
| GB2077227A (en) * | 1980-04-25 | 1981-12-16 | Sony Corp | Endless-type tape cassettes |
| GB2101083A (en) * | 1981-05-06 | 1983-01-12 | Victor Company Of Japan | Tape cassette having a tape pad fixture |
| EP0086625A1 (en) * | 1982-02-09 | 1983-08-24 | Sony Corporation | Tape cassette |
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| US3211874A (en) * | 1961-11-14 | 1965-10-12 | Sigma Instruments Inc | Switch construction having improved contact and bracket assembly |
| GB1365131A (en) * | 1970-11-07 | 1974-08-29 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Magnetic heads |
| US3794375A (en) * | 1971-10-04 | 1974-02-26 | E Woodward | Detachable vehicle enclosure |
| CA959196A (en) * | 1972-02-24 | 1974-12-10 | Richard R. Durst | High impact two-component resin blends |
| FR2194340A5 (en) * | 1972-07-25 | 1974-02-22 | Kodak Pathe | |
| CH591032A5 (en) * | 1974-10-28 | 1977-08-31 | Danfoss As | |
| US4074876A (en) * | 1976-01-19 | 1978-02-21 | Film Cassette Inc. | Long-play video tape cassette |
| JPS5756387Y2 (en) * | 1978-07-29 | 1982-12-04 | ||
| JPS5919984Y2 (en) * | 1979-09-21 | 1984-06-09 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | tape cassette |
| JPS6241426Y2 (en) * | 1980-10-31 | 1987-10-23 | ||
| JPS57107179U (en) * | 1980-12-18 | 1982-07-01 | ||
| US4405097A (en) * | 1981-07-17 | 1983-09-20 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Cassette with a slack limiter tab |
| DE8218184U1 (en) * | 1982-06-25 | 1982-11-04 | Basf Ag, 6700 Ludwigshafen | TAPE CASSETTE AND SPRING ELEMENT FOR THIS |
| JPS5977679A (en) * | 1982-09-13 | 1984-05-04 | シエイプ・インコ−ポレ−テツド | Pressure flap for tape cassette and method of manufacturing and assembling same |
-
1984
- 1984-05-31 US US06/615,875 patent/US4569492A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1984-10-08 GB GB08425334A patent/GB2159795B/en not_active Expired
- 1984-10-23 FR FR848416214A patent/FR2565394B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1985
- 1985-01-30 JP JP60017701A patent/JPS60261082A/en active Granted
-
1993
- 1993-01-07 HK HK2/93A patent/HK293A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1365231A (en) * | 1971-07-14 | 1974-08-29 | Sony Corp | Tape casette |
| GB2001296A (en) * | 1977-07-22 | 1979-01-31 | Sony Corp | Tape cassette |
| GB2057395A (en) * | 1979-06-29 | 1981-04-01 | Sony Corp | Magnetic tape cassettes |
| GB2072141A (en) * | 1980-03-25 | 1981-09-30 | Tdk Electronics Co Ltd | Magnetic tape cassette with tape pad |
| GB2077227A (en) * | 1980-04-25 | 1981-12-16 | Sony Corp | Endless-type tape cassettes |
| GB2101083A (en) * | 1981-05-06 | 1983-01-12 | Victor Company Of Japan | Tape cassette having a tape pad fixture |
| EP0086625A1 (en) * | 1982-02-09 | 1983-08-24 | Sony Corporation | Tape cassette |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0283560A2 (en) * | 1987-03-25 | 1988-09-28 | KOLLER MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (a Wisconsin corporation) | Magnetic tape cassette |
| EP0283560A3 (en) * | 1987-03-25 | 1990-04-25 | KOLLER MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (a Wisconsin corporation) | Magnetic tape cassette |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH058514B2 (en) | 1993-02-02 |
| HK293A (en) | 1993-01-15 |
| GB8425334D0 (en) | 1984-11-14 |
| FR2565394B1 (en) | 1991-08-23 |
| GB2159795B (en) | 1987-11-11 |
| JPS60261082A (en) | 1985-12-24 |
| FR2565394A1 (en) | 1985-12-06 |
| US4569492A (en) | 1986-02-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 19971008 |